All in all, it was another typical night at the Delight. Kit noted Margo’s eyes widen when the head waiter seated them next to the actresses.
”That’s-”
”Yep,” Kit said, cutting her off. “Get used to it, Margo,” he grinned. “TT-86 is a magnet for the jet set, miserable lot of deadbeats that they are. Just don’t plan on joining their ranks and you’ll live a happier life. Now, while we wait for Sven to join us …”
Margo’s face took on a shuttered, wary look. “Yeah?”
”Relax, kid, I don’t bite. Those three,” he nodded toward the actresses, “are here doing role research. You said you wanted to be on stage, right?”
She nodded.
”Good.” Kit leaned forward and interlaced his fingers comfortably. “I want you to think of scouting as role research for the most challenging stage play you’ve ever been cast as lead actress in.”
Margo grinned. “That’s dead easy.”
”No, it isn’t. If you flub your lines, there won’t be any prompters backstage. You won’t have a director to yell, `CUT! Take it from page six ….’You’ll be on your own. Your performance won’t be judged by a critic, it’ll be judged by survival. Your audience will be the down-time people you encounter. Fool them and maybe you’ll get back in once piece. Now…about your performance in the gym.”
Her eyes flashed. “I’ll get better!”
”I’m sure you will. I want you to answer one question for me, but I want you to think about it before you answer.”
”I’m listening.”
Kit nodded. “I want you to tell me what the goals of a time scout are. Ah, hello, Arley, how are you?”